ONEONTA, N.Y. – Hartwick College Executive Director of Athletics, Paul Vecchio has announced Aaron Zurn as the inaugural Women's Flag Football Head Coach, effective immediately.
Zurn sets his sights on leading the new Women's Flag Football program after serving for four years as an assistant coach on the Hartwick men's Football staff, tasked with coaching defensive backs. Aaron Zurn helped six Hawks achieve Empire 8 All-Conference honors as well as coaching the 2023 NCAA Division III Statistical Champion in Passes Defended per Game.
Coach Zurn came to 'Wick after seven years as an assistant varsity football coach at Sidney Central High School, and also boasts past collegiate coaching experience at The College at Brockport.
At Sidney, he was the offensive coordinator for the varsity program. In his seven seasons the offense broke multiple school records and averaged 34 points per game. He helped lead the team to its third sectional championship in school history and produced eight all-state selections on offense.
Zurn graduated from The College at Brockport from 2006-2010, where he earned a pair of Bachelor of Science degrees in Communications and Sport Management. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Recreation and Leisure Management from Brockport, received in 2012.
"Women's flag football has grown rapidly and I am excited for the opportunity to coach the first team at Hartwick College, " remarked Zurn, who also works as part of Hartwick's admission staff. " I want to thank Paul for his belief in me and I look forward to building a program where prospective student-athletes want to grow and compete! Go Hawks!!"
"Aaron has proven himself to be an outstanding football coach and recruiter during his time at Hartwick College," said Vecchio. "His student-athletes greatly enjoy playing for him and his passion for coaching, combined with his proven ability to recruit successfully to Hartwick, make him the perfect choice to launch our flag football program."
Zurn is set to lead the Women's Flag Football program as it kicks off in the 2025-2026 season. Several other Empire 8 programs have also announced the addition of the sport, including SUNY Geneseo, Elmira, and Russell Sage; it is expected the conference will have a championship opportunity in the sport in the near future.
For more information regarding the Women's Flag Football program, please reach out to Head Coach, Aaron Zurn - zurna@hartwick.edu
About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.
